The Midwest is bracing for record cold temperatures today and tomorrow, while people in the East are hunkering down to take on the big chill later this week. While hot soup may not help jump start your car in the morning, it does help warm a body on a cold winter’s day.
The following soups are affordable ways to feed large families on frigid days. Both are simple to make and can doubled if you want leftovers or are hosting a soup party:
TROPICAL CHICKEN SOUP
Ingredients:
2-3 pounds chicken thighs, cut in half (use boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
3 or 4 small plantains or very green bananas, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces
6 stalks celery, trimmed, cut in 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
2 large tomatoes, cut into eighths
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
Salt to taste
Directions:
Season the chicken with salt and place it in a large pot with the remaining ingredients.
Pour water in pot to cover ingredients.
Simmer until the chicken is cooked and the plantains or bananas are tender, about 40 minutes to 1 hour.
Taste and adjust the salt accordingly.
Serves 6 to 8.
TURKEY RICE SOUP
Ingredients:
3 quarts turkey broth
1 cup rice, uncooked
1 medium onion, chopped
2-3 carrots cut into bite-sized pieces
4 stalks of celery cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups turkey meat, chopped
Pinch of poultry seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Place turkey broth into a large pot and bring it to a boil. Lower temperature and let simmer. Salt and pepper the broth. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer just until the rice is cooked, roughly 20-30 minutes. Taste, adjust the spices, if necessary, and serve with a salad and breadsticks.
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Hearty Homemade Winter Soup Recipes